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BORNTORIDE.COM read it/watch it/ride it OCT 2022 #116 BILLY LANE SONS
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Contents OCTOBER ISSUE 116 The information contained herein is provided by Born To Ride Magazine or by its advertisers. BTR makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information in the issue. Born To Ride Magazine does not endorse, approve, or certify such information, nor does it guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, timeliness or correct sequencing of such information throughout this magazine. Use of such information is voluntary on your part, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after your independent review. Reference herein to any specific manufacturer, company, commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement of or recommendation of said by Born To Ride Magazine.” “Born To Ride Magazine (including its employees, contributors and agents) assumes no responsibility for consequences that may result from the use of the information herein, including the use of the information obtained at www.borntoride.com and it’s linked sites, or in any respect for the content of such information, including (but not limited to) errors or omissions, the accuracy or reasonableness of factual or scientific assumptions, studies or conclusions, ownership of copyright or other intellectual property rights, and the violation of property, privacy, or personal rights of others. BTR Magazine is not responsible for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information. No guarantees or warranties, including (but not limited to) any express or implied warranties are made by BTR Magazine with respect to such information contained throughout the site.” No part may be copied without written permission of the publisher, Born To Ride, Inc. P.O. Box 3021, Brandon, FL 33509. 888-795-5779, Fax 813-689-2996. FEATURES _________ Born To Ride Great American Biker Bash 11 The High Seas Rally 16 Billy Lane Sons of Speed 18 Riding the Dragon Slayer 26 COLUMNS _________ James Irwin - A Biker Helping Bikers 8 Indian Biker Bill-Kentucky & Tennessee 25 Nefarious James 37 CMA 40 DEPARTMENTS _____ Contents Page 2 Letter From The Editor Dave Nichols 4 Ride Safe Ride Smart 6 BTR Kids 40 REPORTS ___________ Leather Lids Industry Report 22 CycleRama Performance Report 34 ON THE COVER ____ Billy Lane Sons Of Speed Coming to Biktoberfest Don’t Miss It! Tickets@BillyLane.net Photo: Erick Runyon Start Born To Ride TV and Magazine in your city! Call 888-795-5779 11 18
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BORN TO RIDE
Letter from the Editor DAVE NICHOLS
FROM THE HELM
SONS OF SPEED AT BIKETOBERFEST!
HOWDY BROTHERS AND SISTERS!
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, wenches and scallywags, bikers and ol’ ladies, the lot o’ ye! We are here to honor what, in my humble opinion, is the best damned time to ride a motorcycle, namely, the autumn months! There’s nothing like those cooler temperatures and crisp mornings to swing your leg over some Milwaukee iron and hit the road to adventure. And in this awesome October issue of Born To Ride, you’ll be getting a passel of perfect puttin’ in the form of wild runs, rallies, races, events and parties.
First, let me remind you that the intrepid magazine you hold in your grubby paws or glare at on the screen of your computer or smartphone, is the one-and-only, Born To Ride magazine. It’s the rag that has brought you the absolute best of the biker world for nearly 30 years! That’s three mind-melting decades, boys and girls!
We continue to bring you the finest biker media in all forms, from our Boss Hog radio show each Thursday night (check out the QR code on page 35), to our killer Facebook Group where you can share riding stories with likeminded scooter tramps from all over the world! Visit our YouTube Channel at Born To Ride Motorcycle Media where you can check out the most amazing motorized memories from our 1,340 episodes of Born To Ride TV.
Our boots on the ground biker battalion have proudly raised our two-wheeled colors throughout the southeast including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. We are here for ya, brothers and sisters. If it is of interest to bikers, you can bet that Born To Ride will put it in print!
Speaking of this outstanding October issue, gracing our cover is none other than Billy Lane’s Sons of Speed Vintage Races. Be sure to head on out to the New Smyrna Speedway’s half mile track this October 15th as part of Biketoberfest. It’s more than a race or an event, it is the living, beating heart of the lifestyle you love. Come out and meet Billy and the crew. He’s an iconic rock star biker legend made famous on The Discovery Channel’s “Great Biker Build-off” TV series. He’s also a down to earth family
man who takes care of business, builds some of the most incredible bikes you will ever see, and races like there’s no tomorrow. Read the incredible tale of how Sons of Speed came to be in this issue. October is also the month that the High Seas Rally takes to the Caribbean for the wildest biker cruise ever! It’s the world’s only motorcycle rally on a cruise ship. Party with thousands of your best friends including world famous bike builders such as Dave Perewitz, Paul Yaffe, Xavier Muriel, Jason Hallman, and biker art legend Motor Marc Lacourciere. There’s still time to sign up for the cruise of a lifetime, and did we mention all the booze is FREE? Head over to page 6 for more info. We’ll see you aboard the wildest ship to ever set sail this October 29th to November 5th.
But wait, there’s more! For those of you in the Sarasota area, Rossiter’s HarleyDavidson is now Adrenaline HarleyDavidson of Sarasota. Read up on how this epic dealership has been refreshed and reborn with all your motorcycle needs. Plus, you know how bikers always are on hand to help a fellow biker? Well, James Irwin will tell you how you can get a FREE copy of his Mission One Million book on creating financial independence. His book is free to Born To Ride readers!
Born To Ride is proud to announce that our Great American Biker Bash at OCC Road House was a kickass success on one of the hottest scorching days of summer! Choppertown Live Summer Daze was outstanding.The best custom builders in the south showed up with a fine array of Flatheads, Knuckleheads, Panheads, Shovelheads and more. See all the action right here. It’s just a page turn away.
Last, but not least, the cat’s out of the bag on the coolest custom bike show of the new year! Born To Ride is thrilled to tell ya that the BTR Southern Fried Moto Show is burnin’ rubber your way this January at none other than Gibtown Bikefest. Watch for details right here in the world’s most righteous biker lifestyle magazine, Born To Ride, baby!
Now, can we please get out there and catch some wind?
— Dave Nichols
PUBLISHER Ron Galletti 813-785-3895 888-795-5779 rg@borntoride.com CO PUBLISHER Deb Galletti dgalletti@borntoride.com EDITOR Dave Nichols editor@borntoride.com ART DIRECTOR Peter Soutullo art@borntoride.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erick Runyon ART DEPARTMENT Juan Guzman, Erick Runyon , Peter Soutullo, art@borntoride.com WEB DESIGN/ELECTRONIC MEDIA Juan Guzman OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Nancy Ray nray@borntoride.com MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST Jared Hartman, Craig Miller Jasper Harris SALES & MARKETING 888-795-5779 ROAD CREW Vick Velosity, Mark Crowder, Doug Bright, Birdman Mike, SCENIC RIDE CONSULTANT Steve Finzelber-Finz Finds ON THE ROAD TEAM The John & Heather Show CONTRIBUTORS JP Brady, Neale Bayly, Susan Hurst, Spyke & Mike, Paul Murray, James Gladstone PHOTOGRAPHERS Ron & Selena Hawks, Scott Odel, Chopper Dave, JP Brady, Erick Runyon, Craig Miller LAW FIRM FRAN HAASCH LAW GROUP www.LawFran.com 866 LAW Fran BORN TO RIDE OFFICE 888-795-5779
Magazine PO BOX 3021 Brandon, FL 33509
editor@borntoride.com
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You are riding along in the left lane of a one-way street, with a car ahead of you on your right. As the two of you enter an intersection, the car swerves left across your path to make a turn.
Strategy: Because traffic was light, the driver may have forgotten that he was traveling on a one-way street and never looked in his blind spot for you. Since there was no traffic in the oncoming lane, he felt free to make a normal left turn (without signaling), inadvertently trapping you in his path. There was no way, short of watching for the non-existent signal, to predict that this driver was going to turn left. But remembering that intersections are always situations of increased risk, you might have prepared for this by taking actions to separate yourself from the other vehicle. By riding so close (and inside the driver’s blind spot) you effectively hid yourself from the driver’s vision and greatly increased your exposure to danger.
For more information go to www.msf-usa.org
A Biker Helping Bikers
MIDNIGHT
The stories you are gonna read today and in future issues are true, only the names were changed to protect the innocent, just like that TV show Dragnet from the 1960’s.
One weekend before he was married to Tracy, Chris was enticed to go riding with an old buddy Ron before he married JD. They climbed on their motorcycles and headed into the mountains. After riding for a few hours, they got caught in a terrible rainstorm as they approached the foothills.
They pulled into a nearby farm. An attractive retired woman answered the door, and Chris and Ron asked if they could spend the night. “I know that it’s terrible weather out there and I have this huge house all to myself, but I’m recently widowed,” she explained. “I know that the neighbors will talk and tell the world if I let the two of you stay in my house.”
“Don’t worry,” Chris replied. “The two of us will be happy to sleep in the barn. Once the weather breaks, we will be out of here immediately, headed for the mountains.” The woman agreed, and Chris and Ron settled in for the night. Early morning arrived and the weather had cleared. Chris and Ron left without saying goodbye. They made it safely to the mountains and enjoyed a great weekend of riding.
Nine months later, Chris got an unexpected letter from an attorney. It took him a few minutes to figure it out, but he finally determined that it was from the attorney of that attractive widow that Ron and he had met on bike trip through the mountains. He dropped in on Ron at
the coffee bar and asked, “Ron, do you remember that good-looking widow at the farm where we stayed at on our camping bike holiday up North about nine months ago?”
“Of course I do,” replied Ron
“I am just curious,” stated Chris. “Did you happen to get up in the middle of the night, while I was fast asleep, and go up to the house and pay her a visit?”
“Yeah, I confess.” Ron sheepishly replied, a little embarrassed about being found out. “I admit that I did.”
“And did you happen to use my name,” continued Joe with his questioning, “instead of telling her your real name?”
Ron’s face turned red and he said, “Yeah, look, I’m sorry, old buddy. I’m afraid I did. By the way, what brought this up? Why do you ask?”
“She just died,” declared Joe, “and left me everything in her will.”
Believe it or not, this kind of stuff happens and when it does, it’s important to call a trusted advisor like myself to get a clear picture about your options.
Now before this column ends I gotta tell you all what happened last Sunday in Clearwater. While enjoying a weekend watching offshore boat racing, Spyke the parrot of (Mike and Spike column fame) landed on my shoulder. She said, “You want me to open your beer?” I said yes, and she did with her beak (no kidding). Unfortunately, later, I spilled my beer and dropped my phone. I started swatting the flies and told my wife I killed three males and two females. She asked how I knew the gender? “Easy,” answered. ‘Three
were on the beer and two were on the phone.”
As you know, bikers ARE a very charitable people, giving back to the community in many meaningful ways. I’m of a fellow biker and that is why, with the help of many generous people, we are offering The Mission ONE Million book absolutely free to Born To Ride readers. Sadly, I’ve watched too many people’s lives crash because they were not financially prepared. Go to my website now www.healthinsurance65.com or call 833-467-2865 and get your mission one million book. The book is for anyone wanting to get out of debt, build wealth, and create financial independence.
The book retails for $24.95 but I bought your copy for you. That’s right, the book is FREE to Born To Ride readers. Bikers helping bikers, that’s what it’s all about!
-James Irwin
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Sons of Speed is a motorcycle race inspired by early 20th-century board-track racing, featuring stripped-down bikes with pre-1925 American V-twin engines tearing around a steeply banked, paved racetrack. The races began a few years ago in 2017 and make a home at the New Smyrna Speedway’s half mile track. The Sons of Speed races during Daytona Bike Week and Biketoberfest offer thrilling, wide-open, full-throttle motorcycle racing at its best. We’re talkin’ about race bikes with no brakes, no clutches, and a deadman’s switch. The crowd to see these races has grown to epic proportions.
Founded by master bike builder Billy Lane of Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off and Monster Garage, the Sons of Speed races feature some of the sport’s most accomplished riders, builders, and motorcycle enthusiasts. Last year’s races included over 60 riders and three classes: Classic 61, Hot 61, and 45 Class, all racing on motors that are nearly 100 years old. Born out of Billy’s love of vintage motorcycle culture, the races have grown to become one of the major events in the racing world. Some
of the biggest names in the motorcycle industry race on the steeply banked track with speeds up to 80 miles per hour. What started with a dozen racers back in 2017 has grown to almost 50 regulars in the series. You’ll recognize such notable names as Ebay Jake, Michael Lange, Shelly Rossmeyer, Fast Freddy Bollwage and Jody Perewitz.
How Sons of Speed started.
Billy created a shop in Daytona Beach where he planned on building race bikes using antique engines inspired by the board trackers from 100 years ago. He had built several racers for himself and for customers and dtecided they should go racing.
The first Sons of Speed vintage motorcycle races took place during the 76th Daytona Bike Week out at the New Smyrna Speedway, which is the perfect venue for antique bike racing. There was a definite buzz going on as people waited to get in to witness the racing action on March 18th, 2017.
The vintage bikes have no clutch or gearbox, they just line up at the top of the banked track and are push-started by eager teammates.
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Once the engines roar to life, the riders shoot off down the paved track, leaning into the curves at full throttle with no brakes and the devil at their backs.
The races were extremely popular with the public right from the start and then when Billy added the 45-inch class a few years ago, the crowd’s energy soared to even greater heights. Word of mouth spread the fame of Sons of Speed and more racers showed up to compete every year since those inaugural races.
As you might imagine, keeping 100-year-old motors in racing form is no easy feat. The races always take place on Saturday after a day of practice on Friday. That means that Billy’s Choppers Inc. shop in Daytona is always jammed on Friday night with expert wrenches such as Berry Wardlaw lending an expert hand in repairing bikes and tinkering with ancient motors all through the night. Berry will happily tell you that when it comes to Sons of Speed, passion never sleeps.
On that first Saturday race day, a dozen vintage motorcycle racers mustered their courage and skill to take on the daunting half mile
banked asphalt track. In the final heat Brittney Olsen of 20th Century Racing took the checkered flag, with Matt Harris of 40 Cal Customs taking second place and Shelly Rossmeyer-Pepe of Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson rounding out the third spot.
“The reality is that everyone who raced a bike on that track did something that had not been done in almost a century, we made history.” said Billy in an interview. “Every racer and spectator know in their heart that Sons of Speed was more than an event, it was a camaraderie and kinship that was shared by all.”
Sons of Speed has become more than just a bunch of bikers tearing around a track on old bikes; it has become the living, beating heart that captures the lifestyle we love. Come check out some real works of art with bikes rarely seen in public and a talented group of racers who want nothing more than on a great show and keep the spirit and tradition of this great race series going for years to come.
The next Sons of Speed race event takes place on Saturday, October 15th at the New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Be there! For more info contact sonsofspeed1@gmail.com
photos by Erick Runyon
Get your tickets now! Don’t miss it at Biketoberfest Sat Oct 15th! Tickets@billylane.net BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 19
Ray V. Gordon is The Owner & Founder of Leather Lid Inserts, an established Leather Saddlebag Accessory business based in southwest Florida. They’ve coined the phrase “We take the sag out of the bag” because that is exactly what they do. Ray has been riding motorcycles since he was 14 yrs old and has watched the motorcycle industry grow and is glad to be a part of what it is today. After 35 years of owning and operating a successful aluminum company in Ft. Myers FL, Ray sold the business so he could retire (he thought) and bought himself a new Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic. Just like everyone else with leather saddlebags,
his also started to sag and cave in. He saw a need to fix this problem. Ray says, starting this new business was something he just fell into by fixing his own saddlebags and then behold, friends of friends and others witnessed what Ray did and wanted him to fix their saddlebags too. As an inventor and entrepreneur, Ray took his creative background and put his skills to work by experimenting with several different types of materials to finally come up with a patented ABS lid and bag reinforcement kit that would be designed to help keep the original shape of any leather saddlebag made on the market. So, if you’re tired of looking at your caved in leather saddlebags and/or if they are starting to lose their shape and their parts, or if you have brand new bags and you want to prevent them from ever caving in, please keep Leather Lid Inserts in mind. For all your leather saddlebag accessory needs as a do-it-yourselfer or if you want them to install, visit www.LeatherLidInsert.com and order your DIY Kit or Find an area Dealer Installer.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A DEALER INSTALLER CONTACT RAY AT 239-339-7294 OR RAY@LEATHERLIDINSERTS.COM RIDE SAFE! Leather Lid Inserts 18160 Old Bayshore Road N. Fort Myers, FL 33917
Fall Tour Kentucky
Welcome to our Fall Ride Guide. The riding season here in the southeast is transitioning from the hot and humid oppressive days to the cooler temps of fall. And frankly, my favorite time of the year to ride.
Riders and motorists alike flock to eastern Kentucky and Tennessee to take in the fall colors, enjoy the camping, Pumpkin....everything, hot chocolate near the warmth of a campfire and of course the best roads in the country.
In our October and November issues, we’ll cover the roads that take us up and over mountain’s, deep into the hollers, along the most scenic rivers and most importantly, into the communities and their peoples who make this region what it is-truly Appalachian.
I visited Ashland, KY back in March of this year and while riding, discovered that U.S. 23, aka the Country Music Gateway, was not only great riding, but had an incredible amount of history associated with it-Country and Bluegrass Music History. I’ll admit I’m not a follower of country music, yet I couldn’t help but to be impressed with the number of recording stars from the area. Loretta Lynn, Chris Stapleton, Dwight Yoakam, Ricky Skaggs, Crystal Gayle, Billy Ray Cyrus and The Judd’s to name a few. I had to ask myself, is there something in the water that creates such a concentration of talent?
As I rode further south along U.S. 23, I realized it was the land, the mountains, its Lore and the unsolicited gentle wave from porch sitters that greet passersby.
The inspiration and the talent, well, it’s simply Kentucky.
Before I go any further, it’s important to note that this particular line of black gold that snakes its way just south of Ashland, KY for 183 miles as it slices through the corner of Virginia and into Kingsport, TN is considered to be part of the vast network of trails from Backroads Of Appalachia. The Country Music Gateway-Hwy 23, as it’s officially designated. Heading south from Paintsville, KY and passing by the famous Loretta Lynn’s Butcher Holler, yes, there’s a tour at 1 Butcher Hollow Rd. in Van Lear, U.S. 23 runs along the Levisa Fork River and rambles through seven counties as it hugs the border of WV. It’s an easy ride as rides go and that’s a good thing because there is plenty to see along the way. The unincorporated Hamlets of Banner, Tram and Ivel, most of which were established in the late 1800’s, are the remnants of the coal boom that fueled America.
A little further south, the City of Pikeville is an example of the truegrit spirit required to tame this wild land as the city itself is almost carved out of the steep terrain. U.S. 23 is sandwiched between the engineering marvel dubbed The Pikeville Cut Through, the largest
Americana. Taking a seat near the window so that I could see the town, I glanced at the menu and immediately made my choice. Any country eatery worth its mettle has my respect with a fried bologna sandwich being one of its signature sandwiches topped high with tomato, lettuce, and a slather of mayo. While waiting for my lunch, I reflected on the ride and this incredible region. Its inviting untamed hills and the welcomed opportunity to slow things down and literally, enjoy the ride.
Back on the road I pushed along and soon found myself in Virginia and then into Kingsport. A great day of riding and an incredible day of taking in America, Kentucky style.
Photo
Credit to @ranger.photo –Indian Rider Bill Indianriderbill@yahoo.com
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RIDING THE DRAGONSLAYER
In my last column I mentioned pointing my bike in a direction, any direction, instead of having a predetermined route or destination in mind. Well, I kind of did both recently.
Last week I pointed my bike north into Kentucky. East Kentucky, to be exact.
I connected with a friend who’s the motorsports event coordinator for Backroads of Appalachia, Mr. Jay Fryman. Jay, as his title infers, is responsible for marketing, and delivering a total motorsport’s tourism initiative. I say total because it includes motorcycles, adventure/dual sport bikes, side by sides, Slingshots, and a vast number of car clubs with the end game of getting drivers and riders alike on the roads of east Kentucky.
The overarching organization, Backroads of Appalachia, and its Founder and Director, Mr. Erik Hubbard, in conjunction with 32 county Chambers of Commerce and tourism heads, envisioned reviving the forgotten coal communities of Eastern
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Kentucky through the development of a comprehensive motorsport tourism strategy. Part of that strategy includes trail development. So that we’re clear, a “Trail” is a designated route on current day highways, byways and of course, backroads. And right now, there are over 31 paved trails that snake, wind, and climb their way through some of the best riding in the country.
Jay wanted me to ride the trail that inspired it all, The Dragonslayer-160. Leaving from Williamsburg, Kentucky and heading east, I had the opportunity to ride with a road crew from the Whitley County Riders Group as we rode out to Lynch, to connect to The Dragonslayer.
The journey was as beautiful as you can imagine, rolling hills, hollers, and the countryside of Kentucky. And if the beauty and roads aren’t enough, the region is rich, I mean rich with history. As we rolled along, passing the rustic ruggedness of abandoned mines and the communities that once fueled the Industrial Revolution, and an occasional Civil War memorial, I realized that this was also the region of the famous Hatfield and McCoy feud.
The Dragonslayer-160 comes in with 226 curves in 22 miles. It also boasts the highest mountain peak in Kentucky, Black
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Mountain at 4,144’ where it overlooks one of the largest strip mines in the Appalachia Mountain chain, and then rapidly drops down into Appalachia, Virginia, the official start of the Dragonslayer-160.
Upon arriving at Lynch, we stopped at the welcome center to meet up with Erik and other riders. It’s important to note that part of the revitalization of these communities is workforce development and employment. Because this is truly a community effort; the welcome centers are predominantly staffed with those in addiction recovery.
While at the Lynch welcome center, Jay handed me one of their latest Trail cards, a 4” x 9.5” laminated card with a trail on each side. It’s not enough that there are over 32 trails, all of them uniquely named for Kentucky; Revenue Runner, To The Holler, Miners Slope 179, The Appalachian Autobahn and so forth, there are also trail cards that depict a geographical layout, a map if you will, of the trail and QR codes to scan for points of interest, fuel, food, attractions and more. Slip it in your pocket and go. Coming out later in June, is their interactive App. Simply scan the QR code and it’ll upload to your phone for point-to-point and turn-by-turn navigation.
All in all, there are over 2,600 miles of pristine trails and hundreds of points of interest on the trail cards.
If you’re interested in the re-discovery of America by getting on the road, be sure to check out BackroadsofAppalachia.org. Let’s Ride Eastern Kentucky!
–Indian Rider Bill
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THE HIGH COST OF FREEDOM!
Hello everyone and welcome to October. One of my favorite times of the year coming up, of course we all know, is Halloween. That time of year when everybody gets to dress up as their favorite character or entity. Everything from the ever-popular naughty nurse to the badass biker and you get the picture. I’m making an attempt to change my topics around a little as it was pointed out to me that it appeared my posts and articles were politically motivated. I myself, disagreed with that for the main factor that the topic of individual freedom to me is not a political matter. If anything, individual freedom should be non-political - period. After all, we are allowed to do the things that we are allowed to do because we are “free” to do so.
So, I guess the best way I could put it is, enjoy it while you can, because it sure doesn’t seem like we’re heading in the direction that will continue to allow us to pursue a free lifestyle. I guess I harp on the freedom portion because that is what our lifestyle is supposed to be about. Freedom to pursue what we want to do when we want to do it and how we want to do it. Unfortunately, it’s hard to pursue that when you can’t afford to do it. Being everything is exponentially gone up in price, without an increase in the demand, seems like no one can come up with a valid reason for why. I’ve always believed that if the powers that be cannot legally take away from you what they want to take, they will just price it out of your ability to afford it. One example would be harder to fight the people over the second amendment and take away their firearms, it’s just easier to make it so they can’t afford the ammunition to utilize firearms.
At this point we cannot restrict your ability to travel throughout the country, so we make gasoline too expensive for you to do so. Kind of get the idea what I’m getting at? I hope so. Because there are plenty more examples that follow in line with us. At first, we couldn’t find people who wanted to
work, no there’s jobs, but they don’t want to take them because they don’t feel that they are getting paid enough. So, we raise the price of what they make per hour. People are overjoyed with it. And then in the same instance, the price of everything goes up. So where in reality is the more money that you are earning going? In my mind you’re actually making less than you were before. Because, after all, you’re making more money, which means they’re taxing more of your money and taking it from you. They raise the price of gas, they raise the price of food, they raise the price of everything. And for no valid reason.
There’s no shortage of gasoline. Just like there was no shortage in the 1970s. I don’t see the economy getting stronger. What I see is we are being used as puppets. There is an agenda out there that’s being followed that you’re paying for. How is that freedom? How is that being able to pursue an affordable lifestyle?
manipulating you because now there’s a housing shortage. Corporations are buying a properties and turning them into rentals. When’s the last time you were able to find an apartment, a crappy one at that, for under $1,200? Let alone a decent place. Personally, those people who take advantage of others should be dragged out in the streets… I’m gonna leave out what I’d like to see you have done to them. Anybody who treats their fellow man like that, is garbage. I understand people have to make a living. I get it. But it’s no different than the guy who goes out and price gouges somebody on their medication or their basic needs for survival. It’s disgusting.
Next thing you know, they’re gonna end up texting you on how many miles you put on your motorcycle. I mean, would you go into a place and pay $10 for a beer?
Well, I guess I’ll be the first one to admit I probably failed at my attempt to change my direction of thought for this column. I guess in the scheme of things, I just find having personal freedom one of the most important things I could possibly have in my life. Pay attention people. You’re living your life being guided by somebody else’s script.
I read an article not too long ago that said musician Ozzy Osbourne has decided to move back to England because the United States is out of control. Think about that for a minute and consider the source of that. Wow. Well, I hope everybody out there is doing the best that they possibly can in the situation is that they are in. I wish a good majority of you well and those that I don’t, already know who they are. I guess I’ll be set in my ways, then. Take care and stay out on that road. See what you can see and meet all the new people you possibly can. Listen to opinions with open ears and a closed mouth.
All of a sudden, everybody thinks that what they own is worth way more than it is. You have slumlords renting out termiteinfested, mold-ridden houses for twice what it’s worth. And they don’t care. They’re
Until next time,
— Nefarious James American
Tell Jim what you’re thinking, what do you want to say to him? editor@borntoride.com
” One of my favorite times of the year coming up, of course we all know, is Halloween. That time of year when everybody gets to dress up as their favorite character or entity. Everything from the ever-popular naughty nurse to the badass biker ... ”
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RONNIE and EMILY’SRONNIE and EMILY’S
CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION
Several years ago, at a bike rally, my wife and I volunteered to help with the parking detail. We were assigned what I felt was the best location to direct parking and traffic. There were a few roads that fed into the park-like setting in the center of the rally, like spokes in a wheel. What made this assignment so choice was the fact that our station was where the main feeder road came to our location and then the riders would ride around the circle to park on the circle, turn off onto a side street, or exit where they had come in. Not only were we able to direct the riders, but the bonus was being able to see every bike that turned into the circle. Yes, there were a few who ignored us, but by and large everyone seemed to realize that by having the traffic directed it was safer and more effective for all.
At another much larger rally we again found receptive riders who appreciated our presence and assistance. The riders were fine with the fact that it was a pay lot, and many commented that they liked the big smiles on the faces of the volunteers, and the care we took to keep all the bikes safe from getting scratched by unsafe spacing of the bikes. Due to cooperative riders, we were able to cluster groups riding together, and put trikes together. We even had several riders
tell us that they always use that lot; they feel a genuine appreciation and welcome from the helpers!
Helpfulness is often a ticket to meeting new friends on the road. The Bible teaches us this in Romans 12 :13 where it says, “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” This is a great practice that leads to many new connections. It reminds me that if you want to get a friend you have to be a friend.
This was true after one rally when four of us walked into a little diner. It was around noon and the rally was shutting down, so we decided to get some food before riding home. The waitress was leading us to a table that was fairly close to an elderly couple who were wearing their church clothes. What a coincidence, we were in our church clothes as well! They took a brief glance at the four of us, with our black leather and patches, and they seemed a little concerned. We shot them some big smiles and they appeared to notice what our patches said, and they relaxed as they continued to read our patches that spoke of God and the Bible. In no time we began to chat with them, and they seemed to be happy that we had come to that diner to eat.
As the Scripture said, “Always be eager to practice hospitality!” You’ll never know what friends you will meet!
In the Wind, Denny Dingler
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